Helping the hungry

Whether the elves are on your shelves or cleverly disguised as everyday humans, they currently are out and about.

The Edward Jones financial services firm has partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to collect canned food from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday as part of the third annual Santa’s Helpers Food Drive. The event will be held at 19 N. Broadway in Edmond, in the parking lot of Randel Shadid’s law office.

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and nonperishable food items, and then stay for cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider.

Lisa Bobbitt-Hastings of Edward Jones said Santa Claus will be present for photos, and children will receive gift bags while supplies last.

In addition to canned foods, the food bank also accepts monetary donations. For the month of December, Chesapeake Energy has agreed to match all financial donations up to $1 million.